An improved system and method of determining a low water and/or water-out condition in a humidifier chamber of a respiratory or surgical humidifier system can use a specific frequency band to detect changes in a temperature of a heater plate. The temperature changes can correlate to the specific heat capacity value of the humidifier chamber. The low water and/or water-out detection process can be performed without having to determine the gases flow rate and/or can be run continuously. A heater plate assembly of the system can include a compliant insulation sheet to improve thermal coupling between the heating element and the top heating plate of the heater plate assembly, thereby improving the low water and/or water-out detection process.
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2. The respiratory or surgical humidifier system of claim 1, wherein the hardware controller determines that a low water or water-out condition is present in response to the value from which the specific heat capacity can be inferred being below a threshold.
A respiratory or surgical humidifier system monitors and controls humidity levels in medical applications. The system includes a hardware controller that detects and responds to low water or water-out conditions. The controller infers the specific heat capacity of the fluid in the humidifier, which is used to determine whether the water level is insufficient. If the inferred specific heat capacity value falls below a predefined threshold, the controller identifies a low water or water-out condition. This detection mechanism ensures reliable operation by preventing damage to the system and maintaining proper humidity levels for patient care. The system may also include a heating element to regulate temperature and a sensor to measure fluid properties, which the controller uses to adjust operations dynamically. The hardware controller's ability to infer specific heat capacity from sensor data allows for precise and automated detection of water depletion, enhancing safety and efficiency in medical humidification.
3. The respiratory or surgical humidifier system of claim 1, wherein the hardware controller continuously determines the value from which the specific heat capacity can be inferred.
A respiratory or surgical humidifier system includes a hardware controller that continuously determines a value from which the specific heat capacity of a fluid can be inferred. The system is designed to regulate humidity levels in medical environments, such as during respiratory therapy or surgical procedures, where precise control of moisture content is critical. The hardware controller monitors and adjusts the humidification process based on real-time calculations of specific heat capacity, which is a key parameter affecting the efficiency and accuracy of humidity delivery. By continuously determining this value, the system ensures optimal performance and patient safety. The hardware controller may also interface with sensors and actuators to maintain desired humidity levels, compensating for variations in environmental conditions or fluid properties. This approach enhances the reliability and responsiveness of the humidifier system, addressing challenges related to inconsistent humidity delivery in medical applications. The system may further include feedback mechanisms to refine calculations and adjustments dynamically, improving overall accuracy and efficiency.
4. The respiratory or surgical humidifier system of claim 1, wherein the hardware controller intermittently determines the value from which the specific heat capacity can be inferred.
A respiratory or surgical humidifier system is designed to maintain optimal humidity levels for medical procedures or patient care, ensuring comfort and safety. The system includes a hardware controller that regulates humidity by adjusting heating elements or other components based on environmental conditions. A key challenge in such systems is accurately determining the specific heat capacity of the humidifier's components or the surrounding environment, as this affects heating efficiency and humidity control. The hardware controller in this system periodically calculates or estimates the specific heat capacity of relevant materials or conditions. This value is inferred from measured parameters such as temperature, power consumption, or humidity levels. By intermittently updating this value, the system can adapt to changes in environmental conditions or component aging, improving accuracy and performance. The controller may use algorithms or lookup tables to derive the specific heat capacity from sensor data, ensuring precise humidity regulation. This approach enhances the system's reliability and efficiency in medical applications where consistent humidity control is critical.
5. The respiratory or surgical humidifier system of claim 1, wherein the value from which the specific heat capacity can be inferred is determined as a numerical score.
A respiratory or surgical humidifier system is designed to control humidity levels in medical environments, such as during ventilation or surgical procedures, to ensure patient comfort and safety. The system monitors and adjusts humidity based on the specific heat capacity of the air or gas being delivered, which is influenced by factors like temperature and moisture content. A key aspect of this system is the determination of a numerical score representing the specific heat capacity, allowing for precise humidity regulation. This numerical score is derived from measurements of the air or gas properties, enabling the system to infer the specific heat capacity without direct calculation. By using this score, the humidifier can dynamically adjust humidity levels to maintain optimal conditions for the patient. The system may include sensors to measure temperature, humidity, and flow rate, and a controller to process these measurements and generate the numerical score. This approach ensures accurate and responsive humidity control, improving patient outcomes in medical settings.
6. The respiratory or surgical humidifier system of claim 1, further comprising a temperature sensor coupled to or adjacent the heater plate, wherein the temperature sensor determines a temperature of the heater plate.
A respiratory or surgical humidifier system includes a heater plate for heating a fluid, such as water, to generate humidified gas. The system addresses the need for precise temperature control in medical humidification to ensure patient comfort and safety during respiratory or surgical procedures. The heater plate is designed to efficiently transfer heat to the fluid, preventing condensation and maintaining optimal humidity levels in the delivered gas. The system further includes a temperature sensor coupled to or positioned adjacent to the heater plate. The temperature sensor measures the temperature of the heater plate in real-time, providing feedback to a control system. This allows the system to adjust heating power dynamically, ensuring consistent and accurate temperature regulation. By monitoring the heater plate temperature, the system can prevent overheating, which could damage components or pose risks to patients, and avoid underheating, which could reduce humidification effectiveness. The integration of the temperature sensor enhances the reliability and safety of the humidifier, making it suitable for critical medical applications.
7. The respiratory or surgical humidifier system of claim 6, wherein the temperature sensor comprises a thermistor.
A respiratory or surgical humidifier system is designed to provide controlled humidity and temperature to medical devices, such as ventilators or anesthesia machines, to ensure patient comfort and safety. A key challenge in such systems is accurately monitoring and regulating the temperature of the humidified air to prevent condensation or overheating. To address this, the system incorporates a temperature sensor, specifically a thermistor, to measure the temperature of the humidified air. Thermistors are semiconductor devices that exhibit a predictable change in electrical resistance with temperature, making them highly sensitive and reliable for precise temperature measurements. The use of a thermistor ensures accurate and responsive temperature feedback, allowing the humidifier system to maintain optimal conditions for medical applications. This enhances patient safety by preventing thermal discomfort or potential harm from improperly humidified air. The integration of a thermistor-based temperature sensor improves the overall performance and reliability of the humidifier system in clinical environments.
8. The respiratory or surgical humidifier system of claim 6, wherein the temperature sensor comprises two thermistors, each thermistor acting as a voltage divider.
A respiratory or surgical humidifier system is designed to maintain optimal humidity and temperature levels for patients receiving respiratory support or undergoing surgical procedures. The system addresses the challenge of accurately monitoring and controlling the temperature of humidified air to prevent patient discomfort, respiratory complications, or equipment malfunction. Traditional systems often rely on single-point temperature measurements, which may not provide sufficient accuracy or reliability. The system includes a temperature sensor integrated into the humidifier to measure the temperature of the humidified air. The temperature sensor comprises two thermistors, each functioning as a voltage divider. This dual-thermistor configuration enhances measurement accuracy by providing redundant temperature readings, which can be averaged or compared to detect sensor drift or failure. The voltage divider arrangement allows each thermistor to convert temperature changes into corresponding voltage changes, enabling precise temperature monitoring. The system may also include additional components, such as a heating element and a control unit, to regulate the temperature based on the sensor readings. This ensures consistent and safe humidification for medical applications.
9. The respiratory or surgical humidifier system of claim 8, wherein the hardware controller determines a temperature value from voltage readings of the two thermistors.
A respiratory or surgical humidifier system includes a humidifier chamber for generating humidified gas, a heating element for heating the chamber, and a hardware controller for regulating the heating element. The system also includes two thermistors positioned at different locations within the chamber to monitor temperature. The hardware controller receives voltage readings from the two thermistors and calculates a temperature value based on these readings. This temperature value is used to adjust the heating element to maintain a desired temperature within the humidifier chamber. The system ensures precise temperature control, preventing overheating or underheating, which is critical for patient safety and effective humidification in medical applications. The use of multiple thermistors provides redundancy and accuracy in temperature measurement, improving the reliability of the humidifier system. The hardware controller processes the thermistor data in real-time to dynamically adjust the heating element, ensuring consistent performance under varying conditions. This design is particularly useful in respiratory care and surgical procedures where accurate humidity and temperature control are essential.
10. The respiratory or surgical humidifier system of claim 1, wherein the hardware controller determines the value from which the specific heat capacity can be inferred based on temperature readings from a temperature sensor.
A respiratory or surgical humidifier system includes a hardware controller that determines a value from which the specific heat capacity of a fluid can be inferred. The system measures temperature using a temperature sensor and uses these readings to calculate or derive the specific heat capacity. This allows the system to adjust humidification parameters dynamically based on the thermal properties of the fluid, ensuring optimal performance and patient comfort. The hardware controller may also regulate other aspects of the humidifier, such as heating elements or fluid flow, to maintain precise humidity levels. The temperature sensor provides real-time data, enabling the system to respond to changes in fluid conditions. This approach improves efficiency and accuracy in humidification processes, particularly in medical applications where precise control is critical. The system may be used in respiratory therapy, surgical procedures, or other medical treatments requiring controlled humidity levels. The ability to infer specific heat capacity from temperature readings enhances adaptability to different fluids and environmental conditions.
12. The respiratory or surgical humidifier system of claim 11, wherein the hardware controller is configured to continuously and/or intermittently apply the characteristic energization signal.
A respiratory or surgical humidifier system is designed to provide controlled humidification of gases, such as air or oxygen, for medical applications. The system addresses the need for precise and reliable humidity control to prevent patient discomfort, airway irritation, or equipment malfunction due to improper moisture levels. The system includes a hardware controller that regulates the operation of a humidification element, such as a heating element or a vaporization mechanism, to maintain desired humidity levels in the delivered gas. The hardware controller is configured to apply a characteristic energization signal to the humidification element. This signal can be applied continuously or intermittently, depending on the requirements of the application. Continuous application ensures steady humidity output, while intermittent application may be used to conserve energy or to prevent overheating. The controller adjusts the signal based on feedback from sensors or predefined settings to maintain optimal humidification performance. This flexibility allows the system to adapt to varying environmental conditions or patient needs, ensuring consistent and safe gas delivery. The system may also include additional components, such as temperature or humidity sensors, to monitor and adjust the humidification process in real time.
13. The respiratory or surgical humidifier system of claim 11, wherein the hardware controller passes temperature measurements from the temperature sensor through a bandpass filter having a filter frequency corresponding to a frequency of the characteristic energization signal such that temperature measurements corresponding to the frequency of the characteristic energization signal are passed.
A respiratory or surgical humidifier system includes a hardware controller that processes temperature measurements from a temperature sensor. The system is designed to monitor and control the temperature of a humidifier, ensuring optimal conditions for medical procedures or respiratory therapy. The hardware controller applies a bandpass filter to the temperature measurements, where the filter frequency is matched to the frequency of a characteristic energization signal. This filtering allows the system to isolate and pass only the temperature measurements that correspond to the frequency of the energization signal, effectively reducing noise and improving the accuracy of temperature readings. The filtered measurements are then used to regulate the humidifier's operation, ensuring precise temperature control. This approach enhances the reliability of temperature monitoring in medical humidification systems, addressing challenges related to signal interference and measurement accuracy. The system is particularly useful in environments where precise temperature control is critical, such as in surgical settings or respiratory care.
14. The respiratory or surgical humidifier system of claim 13, wherein the temperature measurements corresponding to the frequency of the characteristic energization signal are used to determine the value from which the specific heat capacity can be inferred.
A respiratory or surgical humidifier system includes a humidifier chamber for generating humidified gas, a heating element for heating the humidified gas, and a controller for regulating the heating element. The system measures temperature changes in response to a characteristic energization signal applied to the heating element. The temperature measurements, taken at specific frequencies of the energization signal, are used to determine a value that allows the specific heat capacity of the humidified gas to be inferred. This inferred specific heat capacity is then used to adjust the heating element's operation to maintain precise temperature control of the humidified gas. The system may also include sensors for monitoring temperature and humidity levels, as well as feedback mechanisms to ensure accurate and consistent humidification. The method involves applying the energization signal, measuring the resulting temperature response, and using the data to calculate the specific heat capacity, which is critical for optimizing the humidification process in medical applications. The system ensures that the humidified gas delivered to a patient or surgical site is at the correct temperature and humidity levels, improving patient comfort and safety.
15. The respiratory or surgical humidifier system of claim 1, wherein the hardware controller is configured to inject the characteristic energization signal into the heater plate control signal.
A respiratory or surgical humidifier system includes a hardware controller that regulates a heater plate to control the temperature of a fluid, such as water, in a humidifier. The system addresses the challenge of maintaining precise temperature control in medical humidification devices, ensuring optimal humidity delivery without overheating or underheating. The hardware controller monitors the heater plate and adjusts its power to maintain a desired temperature, improving patient comfort and safety. In this specific configuration, the hardware controller is designed to inject a characteristic energization signal into the heater plate control signal. This energization signal is a distinct electrical waveform or modulation pattern that helps stabilize the heater plate's operation, reducing fluctuations and enhancing temperature accuracy. By embedding this signal within the control loop, the system achieves finer control over the heater plate's power output, ensuring consistent and reliable humidification performance. This approach is particularly useful in medical applications where precise temperature regulation is critical for patient care. The system may also include additional features, such as feedback sensors and adaptive algorithms, to further refine temperature control based on real-time conditions.
16. The respiratory or surgical humidifier system of claim 1, wherein the characteristic energization signal is at a higher frequency than the heater plate control signal.
A respiratory or surgical humidifier system includes a heater plate for heating a humidification chamber, where the heater plate is controlled by a heater plate control signal. The system also includes a sensor for detecting a characteristic of the humidification chamber, such as temperature or humidity, and a controller that generates a characteristic energization signal based on the sensor output. This energization signal is used to adjust the heater plate control signal to regulate the temperature or humidity within the chamber. The characteristic energization signal operates at a higher frequency than the heater plate control signal, allowing for more precise and responsive control of the heating process. The system ensures consistent and accurate humidification by dynamically adjusting the heater plate's power based on real-time sensor feedback, improving patient comfort and safety in medical applications. The higher-frequency energization signal enables faster response times to changes in the chamber's conditions, enhancing the overall performance of the humidifier.
18. The respiratory or surgical humidifier system of claim 1, wherein the hardware controller is configured to apply the characteristic energization signal without interrupting therapy or operation of the heater plate.
A respiratory or surgical humidifier system includes a heater plate for heating a fluid, such as water, to generate humidified gas for patient therapy. The system faces challenges in maintaining consistent heating performance while ensuring patient safety and comfort. Traditional systems may require interrupting therapy to adjust heating parameters, which can disrupt treatment and compromise patient care. The invention addresses these issues by incorporating a hardware controller that applies a characteristic energization signal to the heater plate without interrupting therapy or operation. The hardware controller dynamically adjusts the energization signal to maintain optimal heating performance while ensuring continuous and uninterrupted therapy delivery. This allows for real-time adjustments to heating parameters without disrupting the flow of humidified gas to the patient, enhancing both safety and efficiency. The system may also include additional features such as temperature sensors, feedback mechanisms, and safety protocols to further optimize performance and prevent overheating or other hazards. By maintaining seamless operation, the system ensures consistent humidification while minimizing disruptions to patient care.
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August 9, 2019
May 14, 2024
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